The Municipal Health Service (GGD) has found that heat protocols at childcare locations are often substandard. As a result, children are insufficiently protected during periods of extreme heat, according to inspections by the health service.
Inadequate protection during heat
According to the GGD, many childcare organizations are not complying with current guidelines for heat resilience. This leads to situations where children are exposed to unhealthy temperatures, with risks to their health as a consequence. Children, particularly babies and toddlers, are especially vulnerable to heat because their body temperature regulation is not yet fully developed.
The inspections show that the problem is structural. Childcare locations often lack concrete plans for extreme weather conditions, despite Dutch summers being increasingly characterized by heatwaves.
What does the heat protocol require?
A proper heat protocol for childcare includes, among other things:
- Adequate drinking opportunities and extra fluid intake for children
- Adjusted activities: less intensive play during high temperatures
- Cool rest areas and shelter from direct sunlight
- Extra monitoring for signs of heat-related complaints
- Adjustment of nap and meal times if necessary
- Measures for ventilation and sun shading in indoor spaces
The GGD emphasizes that these measures are not optional, but form part of the legal duty of care of childcare organizations.
What does this mean for parents?
Parents can take an active role in checking the heat resilience of their childcare facility. Ask about the location's heat protocol during intake or parent meetings. A good protocol is documented in writing and known to all staff members.
During warm weather, watch for signs in your child yourself, such as excessive sweating, listlessness, headache, or nausea. If in doubt, always inform the childcare facility that you wish to pick up your child earlier. Parents have the right to keep their child at home during extreme heat, without this affecting their placement guarantee.
The GGD is urging childcare organizations to urgently review their protocols and provide more comprehensive training. In cases of repeated violations, the GGD can take enforcement action, which in extreme cases could even lead to closure of the childcare location.